Whether you're running on four hours of sleep, dealing with seasonal allergies or it's simply genetics, dark circles can make an uninvited appearance. While we all consider piling on some concealer to cover the area, maybe it's time to try out some eye cream instead. Ahead, a few experts share their picks for the 25 best eye creams for dark circles—plus, some helpful tips for implementing one into your skincare routine.
The 25 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles, Vetted by Dermatologists, Editors and Makeup Artists
Tired eyes, begone
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Published May 8, 2024
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The Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles at a Glance
1
Best Overall
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
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2
Best for Tired Eyes
SkinCeuticals AG.E Advanced Eye
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3
Best for Fine Lines
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream
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4
Most Hydrating
Omorovicza Reviving Eye Cream
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5
Best Luxury
Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream
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Meet the Experts
- Kelli J. Barlett is a makeup artist and vice president of education and experience for Ever/Body. She has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty and wellness space. She was previously the artistic director of Glamsquad, where she led the direction of the makeup services and education programs. Her work has been featured in publications such as Harper's Bazaar, InStyle and Vanity Fair.
- Lisa Aharon is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York. She has a decade of experience, working with publications such as The New York Times, Elle and Cosmopolitan, as well as fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and David Yurman. Her previous clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Rachel Brosnahan and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
- Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Preston Dermatology in North Carolina. She has a decade of experience, completing her residency in New York and training in United Kingdom. She's also a member of the American Board of Dermatology and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.
- Dr. Melissa K. Levin is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Entiére Dermatology and a clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai in New York. She has a decade of experience, specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She's currently a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.
How I Chose the Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles
I asked dermatologists, makeup artists and editors to share the best eye creams for dark circles. From there, I looked into each of their key features and core ingredients. I also combed through popular retailers like Amazon, Sephora, Ulta and Dermstore and read countless reviews to find eye creams that truly brighten, firm and hydrate the delicate area.
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Best Overall
1. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
What We Like
- fragrance-free
- doesn't crease under makeup
- subtle scent
What We Don't Like
- small jar
Ole Henriksen
This eye cream is at the top of my list for tackling dark circles. Formulated with a triple vitamin C complex, it aims to brighten and improve elasticity around the delicate eye area. The formula also includes bioflavonoids (a citrus antioxidant that protects against environmental aggressors) and orange extract that promises to reduce the look of dark shadows. Whether I'm using it underneath my makeup or on its own, I appreciate the lightweight texture and how it subtly improves my dark circles over time.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin C, bioflanoids, orange extract
- Size: 0.5 ounces
- Best for: fine lines, dryness, dullness
Best for Tired Eyes
2. SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
What We Like
- lightweight texture
- hydrating formula
What We Don't Like
- small jar
- expensive
SkinCeuticals
Bartlett swears by this SkinCeuticals pick to treat her clients’ dark circles. “The science behind this eye cream is incredible. Its mixture of peptides and flavonoids actually do reduce the blue and red look of tired, stressed, dark circles,” she explains. Also formulated with caffeine, this eye cream promises to brighten skin and reduce puffiness. Bartlett recommends mixing a small amount of it into your concealer to smooth the skin under your eyes.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: proxylaneTM, matrixyl 3000, glycyrrzhetinic acid, caffeine
- Best For: dullness, puffiness, crow's feet
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best for Fine Lines
3. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream
What We Like
- easy application
- hydrating formula
What We Don't Like
- not ideal for sensitive skin
Estée Lauder
Bartlett is also a fan of this best-selling formula from Estée Lauder. The brand claims it can brighten dark circles after just three weeks of use, and Bartlett attests, “It really does the job if you use it consistently.” The eye cream aims to reduce fine lines, puffiness and dryness with its combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Bartlett suggests applying it to the entire eye area (even on the lids) to reap all of the benefits.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- Best For: fine lines, wrinkles, dryness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Most Hydrating
4. Omorovicza Reviving Eye Cream
What We Like
- hydrating formula
- subtle cucumber scent
What We Like
- thin texture
- expensive
Omorovicza
This cream is Aharon’s favorite to use on her celeb clients (who include Gwyneth Paltrow and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, BTW). “When choosing an eye cream to put in my kit, there are a few things that I look for: hydration, smoothing, brightening and de-puffing, but I also need something that won’t pill under concealer or be too greasy,” she explains. According to the makeup artist, this one from Omorovicza checks all the boxes. Formulated with vitamin K, arnica and cucumber extract, this eye cream visibly reduces the appearance of dark circles, while tackling other common under-eye concerns like dryness and puffiness.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin K, arnica, cucumber extract
- Best For: fine lines, puffiness, dullness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best for Sensitive Skin
5. Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
What We Like
- hydrating formula
- great for sensitive skin
- fragrance-free
What We Don't Like
- drying to some skin types
Cetaphil
With over 12,000 5-star reviews, this eye gel-cream is a crowd favorite. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, the product locks in moisture around the eyes as soon as you apply it. Shoppers say it absorbs quickly into the skin and many of them swear by it for sensitive skin. "I’m a 37-year-old with severely sensitive skin. Every other hyaluronic acid, retinol or anti-wrinkle cream always [gives] me a rash and [causes swelling] around my eyes. This is the only product that doesn't irritate my skin. Wrinkles are coming, and who knows if this will end up helping, but I feel better knowing I took an extra step to protect the fragile skin around the eyes," shares one reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid
- Best For: dryness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best Luxury
6. Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream
What We Like
- contains clean ingredients
- hydrating formula
What We Don't Like
- not ideal for sensitive or oily skin
Augustinus Bader
First and foremost, our former Commerce Director Nicole Briese adores the sleek blue packaging of this eye cream. Aesthetics aside, this luxury find also tackles her most pressing under-eye concerns. Powered by the brand's signature blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides, the formula aims to reduce puffiness, eliminate dark circles and improve the appearance of fine lines. The creamy texture absorbs nicely and refreshes the delicate eye area, though she notes it might not be ideal for folks with sensitive eyes, as it did cause her eyes to water up at times.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: pennywort extract, centella extract, seaweed extract, arjun tree extract, vitamin C, niacinamide, vitamin b5, jojoba oil
- Best For: fine lines, puffiness, dryness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Most Cooling
7. Hero Cosmetics Bright Eyes Illuminating Eye Cream
What We Like
- cooling applicator
- reduces inflammation
What We Don't Like
- excess product comes out
Hero Cosmetics
This eye cream from Hero Cosmetics is an absolutely dream for tackling dark circles. Assistant Editor Delia Curtis appreciates its lightweight texture, and its potent niacinamide and caffeine blend. "I've been using it for the past couple of weeks and it's a DREAM. It's very nourishing to the delicate skin under my eyes," they share. The stainless steel applicator also makes it easier to glide under the eyes and offers an instant tint to improve the look of dark circles. Plus, it has a cooling effect, which helps soothe any puffiness and further hydrate the eye area.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: niacinamide, caffeine
- Best For: puffiness, dryness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best for Mature Skin
8. Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Cream
What We Like
- creamy formula
- great for morning routines
What We Don't Like
- not ideal for sensitive skin
Peter Thomas Roth
According to Solomon, sometimes dark circles are caused by aging, not fatigue. Luckily, this eye cream tackles both issues, so you're covered either way. “It contains a potent dose of vitamin C to help the body’s own synthesis of collagen and hydrate the outer layers of the skin,” she explains. You'll also find caffeine to reduce the look of puffiness around the eye and vitamin E to support the other ingredients.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: caffeine, vitamin E, vitamin C, ferulic acid
- Best For: brightening, puffiness, crow's feet
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best Drugstore
What We Like
- non-greasy formula
- tested by the National Eczema Association
What We Don't Like
- not great for fine lines and wrinkles
CeraVe
Looking for a budget-friendly find to minimize the appearance of your dark circles? Solomon suggests this $12 option from CeraVe, which is the number one best-selling eye cream on Amazon, FYI. She explains that the loss of ceramides in our skin can “leave it vulnerable to sun damage, aging and dehydration.” Enter this hydrating cream, which is formulated with three types of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to abate dryness, puffiness and dullness.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: dullness, dryness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best Brightening
10. Revision Skincare Teamine Eye Complex
What We Like
- great for fine lines and wrinkles
- creamy texture
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Revision Skincare
“Revision’s Teamine Eye Complex has been a favorite of dermatologists for many years. It’s formulated with three different antioxidants—vitamin C, green tea extract and grape seed oil—as well as skin brighteners including mica, silica, and titanium dioxide,” says Dr. Levin. Enough said, doc. We're sold. Plus, many shoppers say it's a game-changer for dark circles, especially when used consistently.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: grapeseed oil, green tea extract, vitamin C, mica, silica, titanium dioxide
- Best For: fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dullness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Most Lightweight
What We Like
- hydrating formula
- instant lift
- creamy texture
What We Don't Like
- finicky pump
Clarins
Our Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth's sister loves this eye cream so much that she's been begging for a refill. After trying it herself, Hepworth discovered it was very lightweight, fast-absorbing and felt smooth going on. A little goes a long way, so you'll definitely get your money's worth from this $92 bottle. Formulated with harungana extract (a retinol alternative), cassie flower wax and albaizia extract, she notes that it visibly reduced the severity of her dark circles over time.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: harungana extract, cassie flower wax, albaizia extract, horse chestnut-dervived escin
- Best For: firmness, elasticity, dullness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Most Firming
12. Neocutis Lumière Firm Eye Cream
What We Like
- targets fine lines and wrinkles
- great for sensitive eyes
What We Don't Like
- expensive
- small bottle
Neocutis
Senior Editor Dana Dickey was shocked to see a noticeable difference after trying this Neocutis pick. The active ingredients—vitamin C and caffeine—quickly reduce any puffiness and brighten up her tired skin, while peptides boost the production of collagen and improve elasticity around the eyes. "I was shocked at how much of an instant difference this made when I tried it the first time. And a long-term bonus: I really appreciated the collagen boosting ingredients that seem to be reducing the fine lines around my eyes," she says.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: peptides, vitamin C, caffeine
- Best For: firmness, puffiness, dullness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best with Vitamin C
13. Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
What We Like
- creamy texture
- easy application
What We Don't Like
- small bottle
- subtle brightness
Murad
Briese recommends this eye cream, which she uses daily to target her dark circles. "While I can't definitively say that it made my dark circles lighter, I can confirm that I instantly look more awake the moment I swipe it on. It has a gold shimmer that almost works like a concealer to banish dark shadows immediately, and I notice a big difference when I don't use it. I keep two in my cupboard at all times for this reason!"
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin C, algae extracts, cucumber extract
- Best For: dullness, inflammation, hyperpigmentation
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Creamiest Formula
14. No.1 De Chanel Revitalizing Eye Cream
What We Like
- hydrating formula
- great for puffiness
What We Don't Like
- expensive
- small jar
Chanel
This Chanel eye cream earns high praise for its decadently creamy formula. Despite being so rich it absorbs nicely into the skin without feeling too greasy. Formulated with red camellia flower extract, the gel-cream works to refresh and depuff the eyes to give them a brighter appearance. One reviewer shares, "I use this as my nightly eye cream, and it takes away any dark bags and [it] makes my under-eye look hydrated and full!"
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: red camellia flower extract
- Best For: dullness, inflammation
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best Budget
15. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
What We Like
- oil-free formula
- budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- not ideal for super dry skin
Neutrogena
Need a reason to pick up this budget-friendly find? Here's a rave review from one of our experts: "Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream contains hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and glycerin to hydrate and plump the skin, along with ingredients to lock-in that moisture. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin A (what retinol is derived from) and vitamin E, as well as vitamin C for brightening. Plus, it's oil-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free, so it’s another great choice for sensitive skin," explains Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid
- Best For: dullness, dryness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best with Retinol
16. First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream
What We Like
- great for sensitive skin
- gentle formula
What We Don't Like
- subtle scent
- not great for combination skin
First Aid Beauty
Another go-to for Dr. Murphy-Rose? This retinol and squalane eye cream, which the dermatologist explains "builds collagen and hydrates the eye area." She says the combination also helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Plus, the gentle formula works to soften skin and lock in moisture.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: squalane, retinol
- Best For: dryness, fine lines, wrinkles
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best for Dry Skin
17. Provence Beauty No Baggage Eye Cream
What We Like
- non-greasy formula
- fast-absorbing
What We Don't Like
- thick formula
- finicky cap
Provence Beauty
Dr. Mack recommends this soothing eye cream to anyone who is looking for a quick refresh. "This is one of my favorites. It has a number of ingredients that I find useful to help with under-eye dark circles including caffeine and niacinamide. This eye cream also contains hyaluronic acid, which provides enough hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she says.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: snow mushroom, reishi mushroom, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Best For: puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles
- Size: 1.0 ounces
Best with Caffeine
18. The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream
What We Like
- contains clean ingredients
- recyclable packaging
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- not ideal for sensitive skin
The INKEY List
Caffeine is a key ingredient in many eye creams because it's been shown to reduce the appearance of dark circles—and this formula is chock full of the brightening ingredient. The rich cream also includes matrixyl 3000 (a peptide blend) that plumps and firms, along with albizia julibrissin bark extract that exfoliates and smoothes the under-eye skin. As Dr. Mack shares, together these ingredients "work to gently reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots."
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: caffeine, matrixyl 3000, albizia julibrissin bark extract
- Best For: puffiness, dryness, fine lines
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best with Vitamin K
19. ISDIN K-Ox Eyes
What We Like
- cooling applicator
- hydrating formula
What We Don't Like
- expensive
ISDIN
Dr. Wolinsky swears by this ISDIN pick for reducing puffiness and dark circles. She praises the formula, stating, "The eye cream has vitamin K as a powerful antioxidant and hyaluronic acid, which hydrates to reduce the appearance of fine lines. The ceramic applicator is also soothing and helps additionally with any puffiness by constricting the blood vessels [near the eyes]," she adds.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin K, hyaluronic acid, haloxyl
- Best For: puffiness, dryness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best Eye Gel
20. Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
What We Like
- lightweight formula
- non-greasy
What We Don't Like
- not ideal for sensitive skin
Dr. Loretta
OK, this technically isn't an eye cream (it's a gel), but Dr. Ciraldo believes it's just as effective at fading dark circles. Infused with antioxidants and peptides, the gel promises to reduce the look of dark circles, crow's feet and fine lines. The formula also helps with puffiness and protects the eyes against blue light. The derm recommends applying one pump to cover both eyes and tapping it onto the upper and lower lids.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: antioxidants, chromabright, marine algae peptides
- Best For: puffiness, crow's feet
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Instant Brightness
21. Alpyn Beauty Instant Bright Eye
What We Like
- great for fair skin tones
- moisturizing
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers experienced pilling
Alpyn Beauty
This Alpyn Beauty pick promises instant brightness—and our SEO Associate Editor Marissa Wu can attest to its claims. It's packed with niacinamide to target tone and texture, peptides to firm and tighten, as well as reneseed (a retinol alternative) to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Wu has been using it consistently and says it's very moisturizing. She also likes that it has a peachy-pink hue to it, which helps blur dark circles (though because of this, she notes that it might be best suited for those with fair to light skin tones).
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, reneseed
- Best For: dullness, fine lines
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best Serum
22. The Ordinary Caffeine Eye Serum
What We Like
- reviewers saw a difference in just a few weeks
- subtle scent
- budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- not great for sensitive skin
The Ordinary
Again, this serum isn't an eye cream but it gets the job done in vanishing dark circles. Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera swears by it. " I absolutely love this super affordable option from The Ordinary! I use it anytime I've been up late and my eyes are dark and puffy in the morning," she says. "I definitely see a difference afterwards!" Formulated with caffeine and green tea, I see why it works so well.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: caffeine, green tea
- Best For: dullness, puffiness
- Size: 1.0 ounces
Most Soothing
23. Freeman Depuffing Eye Cream
What We Like
- can be used morning and night
- great for sensitive skin
- hydrating formula
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers report it doesn't help with minimizing fine lines and wrinkles
Freeman
Although Freeman is popular for their face masks, this eye cream is definitely one of their sleeper hits. It has hyaluronic acid to hydrate and lock-in moisture, along with magnesium to calm and depuff the under-eye area. VP of Editorial Candace Davison swears by it, stating, "I use this for days when my eyes ache and I haven't slept a wink. It's so cooling and soothing, and it really leaves my eyes feeling refreshed. It doesn't eliminate my dark circles entirely, but does any cream, honestly? It seems to reduce them a bit, and then I dab on a little concealer, especially if I feel like wearing makeup that day."
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, magnesium, fatty acids, glycerin
- Best For: dullness, puffiness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best for Sensitive Skin
24. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Cream
What We Like
- lightweight formula
- hydrating
- great for mature skin
What We Don't Like
- expensive
- glass jar
Charlotte Tilbury
I'll let our Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay tell you why this Charlotte Tilbury eye cream is her favorite. "This eye cream is fantastic (I even like it better than the original Magic Cream it's inspired by). It's lightweight, incredibly hydrating and instantly brightens up my dark circles—sans any pigment or (ugh) sparkles. It's jam-packed with nourishing ingredients including plant stem cell extract, retinol and red algae as well as two tried-and-true heavy hitters: coconut oil and shea butter. My under eye area is also prone to milia (a common skin condition that causes small cysts under the surface of your skin) but I've used this cream for months and haven't had any breakouts."
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: retinol, red algae, coconut oil, shea butter
- Best For: dullness, dryness
- Size: 0.5 ounces
Best for Wrinkles
25. RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
What We Like
- hypoallergenic
- budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- small tube
- might be drying for some skin types
RoC
This eye cream is ready to tackle fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. It has retinol, which has been clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while evening out and firming the under-eye skin. The brand recommends applying the treatment every other day for your skin to acclimate to the product before using it daily. One reviewer shares, "I took a picture before I started using because I know it’s hard to compare when you don’t remember what the start looked like. After using it for a month and feeling like it wasn’t making a difference I decided to take an after picture to compare. [I] definitely see a difference now. [The fine] lines have become less defined, darkness has lessened and [my] under-eye looks overall rejuvenated. [I] definitely would say I look less tired."
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: retinol
- Best For: fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles
- Size: 0.5 ounces
What to Look For in an Eye Cream for Dark Circles
While I compiled an extensive list for you already, you can also keep some of these tips in your back pocket the next time you're shopping for eye cream.
- Look at the ingredients: There are a few key ingredients that work to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Common ones include vitamins (C, E and K), niacinamide, caffeine, kojic acid, retinol, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. If you find one (or more) of these listed on the label, you're in good hands.
- Consider other skincare concerns: Yes, you're looking for an eye cream that targets your dark circles. However, there are plenty of options out there that can do that and are hydrating, firming and soothing.
Additional Experts
- Dr. Blair Murphy Rose is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center and founder of Skincare Junkie. She has a decade of experience, specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She's currently a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.
- Dr. Lian Mack is a board-certified dermatologist at Glamderm and an assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. She specializes in treating skin conditions, especially for the BIPOC community, as well as aesthetic enhancements such as injectable fillers and laser treatments. She's currently a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and member of the Women's Dermatologic Society.
- Dr. Claire Wolinsky is a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York. She has experience in laser treatments, injectables (fillers and neuromodulators) and non-surgical facial rejuvenations. She’s also a clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare. She has more than 40 years of experience in skincare space. Her products have been featured in Allure’s Best of Beauty awards, Harper’s Bazaar’s Anti-Aging Awards and named a Refinery 29 Innovator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Dark Circles?
Sadly, there isn't just one reason to blame for dark circles. Many factors can play a role, including a lack of sleep, poor nutrition, dehydration, seasonal allergies, excessive alcohol consumption and aging. "It's important to understand the cause(s) of your dark circles in order to best treat them. The dark appearance can be due to hyperpigmentation, blood vessels under the skin or a physical shadow due to reduced light under the eyes. This shadowing is caused often by movement of under-eye fat pads and by thinning of the skin due to loss of collagen," adds Dr. Murphy-Rose. There's also a chance that your dark circles are caused by genetics, which is unavoidable but treatable.
What Are Some Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles?
Other than tropical treatments, like eye creams and gels, our experts share a few additional ways to help with dark circles.
- Try an in-office treatment. The derms we spoke to mention multiple in-office options like under-eye filler, lasers, radio frequency, microneedling and ultrasound collagen stimulation. "Based on the cause, your derm can help you formulate a treatment plan," explains Dr. Mack.
- Adjust your habits. "Some lifestyle modifications may improve the under-eye appearance. This includes getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a well-balanced diet and reducing stress. For some, limiting alcohol and sodium intake will help as well. And if you are allergy prone, take measures to reduce any symptoms and talk to a physician about allergy treatment," says Dr. Murphy-Rose.
- Try natural remedies. Turns out those cucumber slices mom uses actually work. "Cucumbers have antioxidants in them that can reduce the signs of aging and help fight against environmental damage," says Dr. Ciraldo. She recommends applying a slice over each eye, and leaving them on for 20 minutes to give them enough time to hydrate and soothe the skin.
Can an Eye Cream Actually Improve the Appearance of Dark Circles?
An eye cream can improve the look of dark circles to an extent but it's not going to make them vanish completely. Also, results aren't going to be instant, so you'll need to be patient and consistent with your application to see a difference over time. According to our derm friends, the degree to which an eye cream can help will depend on the cause and severity of your dark circles.
"When the darkening is caused by true hyperpigmentation of the skin under the eye or it's caused by vascular congestion, eye cream can really help" says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "But when dark circles are caused by a true anatomical shadow under the eye (from genetics and/or loss of volume from aging) it is unlikely that a topical treatment could help significantly. [In that scenario], fillers can be a great option to improve volume loss."
How Often Should You Apply Eye Cream
According to the dermatologists, you should apply eye cream twice a day in the morning and at night. However, if it contain retinoids or glycolic acid, they suggest using it only once at night.
How to Apply Eye Cream
All you'll need is a pea-sized amount to get the job done. Always clean your hands before using your ring finger to gently tap the product in—starting from the inner corners of your eyes and working your way out. You can also work the product on the lid and the brow bone. Another thing: Try not to rub your eyes too much, as the skin here is very delicate.
Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends doing a spot test before fulling committing to an eye cream as "the skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than any other area." She suggests applying a small amount of eye cream to your inner wrist for the next three days and check for any reactions before using it daily in your routine.
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